Overnight Turkey – cook it while you sleep!

Don’t be afraid to try something new! This method for preparing your Thanksgiving turkey might be different than anything you’ve ever tried but I promise you won’t be disappointed. It will allow you to relax and enjoy the rest of your meal prep without worrying if the main feature on the table turns out good or not because this is perfect every single time! I’ve even included a video showing you step by step how to do this so you won’t be anxious about messing it up. It really is so easy!

I love Thanksgiving for so many reasons! It’s a time to focus on your family & the blessings in your life while also being able to enjoy delicious food! Get your stretchy pants ready!!

If you’ve ever been responsible for making the Thanksgiving turkey for the big meal, I’m sure you also felt intimidated. It’s the main feature on the table but sadly, many times they end up too dry to really enjoy. I bet you’ve also seen a beautiful turkey ready to be served, but by the time everything else is ready, the turkey is not just dry, but cold too!

A few years ago, a friend of mine shared how she bakes her Thanksgiving turkey and once I gave it a try, I’ve never looked back!

This recipe is especially important if you only have 1 oven in your house. It will give you the opportunity to free up your oven space in time to bake your side dishes AND your turkey will be moist and warm!

It’s always hard to figure out when to start the turkey to ensure it’s done in time for the feast but it adds all sorts of challenges when you’re also trying to bake side dishes and casseroles to serve with your turkey. When you use this method, your turkey will be done the morning of Thanksgiving and you can focus the rest of your time getting everything else ready. The turkey might be the main event but it’s not nearly as good without the gravy, the dressing (or stuffing, if that’s what you like) and don’t forget the cranberry sauce, macaroni and cheese and green beans! Oh my! I could go on and on. What is your favorite side dish for Thanksgiving?

To prepare this turkey you’ll start the day before Thanksgiving and let it cook until the next morning. Once the turkey is done, you’ll remove the meat from the bones, which will be really easy to do because the turkey will be so moist and tender. Did you know the secret to a moist and tender turkey is cooking it breast side down? No more basting!! Let it baste itself instead. After you remove the turkey from the bones, you’ll transfer it to a slow cooker to stay warm until you’re ready to serve it. I suggest adding some of the broth from the turkey pan into the slow cooker so it doesn’t get dried out while you’re keeping it warm.

I know you’re thinking, “but what about the beautiful presentation of the whole bird?”, I promise you, everyone prefers a better tasting meal over a the presentation!

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While we are talking about turkeys, let me share 3 of my favorite turkeys! A few years ago, I had my family and my in-laws come over for Thanksgiving and I have so many wonderful memories from that day. We can always count on my Dad to entertain the littles. Actually, if you know my Dad, he entertains everyone! While we were waiting for everyone to arrive, my very talented and artistic Dad decided to draw a turkey on the boys chalkboard table and his artwork never disappoints! I kind of wished it wasn’t in chalk so I could leave it there forever. That drawing and the chalk table are both long gone now but thanks to these photos, I can share it with you and remember it forever.

I have so many wonderful memories of Thanksgiving but I have to share this photo because it was the 1st Thanksgiving for my family! I would love to hear about your Thanksgiving traditions too!!